Collaboration to Improve Digital Security of the Life Sciences & Health Sector

Leiden University of Applied Sciences, The Hague University of Applied Sciences and REQON have published a report on the state of digital security in the Life Sciences & Health (LSH) sector. This research was initiated by Security Delta (HSD) and Stichting Leiden Bio Science Park and was financed by Metropole Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH). It was part of the MRDH programme initiated by HSD to help important sectors become more cyber resilient.

The researchers conclude that the threat landscape for organisations in the LSH sector is similar to the critical sectors in the Netherlands, but with additional focus on corporate espionage and international exposure. The risk awareness of organisations in the LSH sector needs to be raised, and the impact of cyber incidents is underestimated.

You can download the report here.

Status in the Sector and Recommendations

The level of information security in the sector has been found to be generally low, and action is necessary to bring digital security up to an appropriate level. This can be achieved with solutions such as the use of ambassadors, workshops and recruiting specialists. Collaboration among organisations is also essential for improving digital security and making digital systems secure.

To enhance the digital security of organisations in the Life Sciences & Health sector, it is recommended to focus on improving risk awareness and increasing expertise within organisations. This can be achieved by appointing "ambassadors" to advocate for digital security and organising risk awareness workshops for key stakeholders. It is also important to incorporate digital security in relevant training programmes and provide knowledge sessions and workshops for employees.

Additionally, supporting organisations in the Life Sciences & Health sector involves assisting with the implementation of basic security measures and facilitating the use of risk analysis, monitoring, testing, and auditing. Establishing a central knowledge and support hub, such as a sectoral cyber resilience centre, would further facilitate these efforts. By implementing these recommendations, the digital security of organisations in the Life Sciences & Health sector can be significantly improved, ensuring their resilience in the face of cyber threats.

Next Steps

Security Delta (HSD) intends to utilise the conclusions and recommendations set out by the research, and apply the lessons learned in the foundation of Cyber Resilience Centre Greenport to found a cyber resilience programme that can support organisations in the Life Sciences & Health sector in a similar fashion and can support the recommendations set out by the report, to enhance cyber resilience in the Life Sciences & Health sector.